According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three American adults has high cholesterol. For those struggling with high cholesterol, getting needed prescriptions and adhering to the prescribed treatment regimen is critical. As Peggy, a Georgia widow with high cholesterol noted, Medicare Part D has relieved the stress of having to decide between purchasing vital medicines or food, and as a result, she can now treat her chronic condition consistently.

Adhering to a treatment regimen for chronic conditions like high cholesterol, also known as dyslipidemia, not only helps improve health for people like Peggy, it also helps reduce spending on other health care costs. According to a study published by the Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy, increasing the number of prescriptions filled for dyslipidemia decreases non-pharmacy medical costs, as illustrated in the graphic below.

Peggy isn’t the only one benefitting from access to dyslipidemia medicines through Medicare Part D. Donald, who has a very tight budget, relies on the program to help treat his high cholesterol, and he praises Part D for allowing him to manage his condition so that he can continue enjoying one of his favorite pastimes – gardening. Paul, Rebecca and John have similar stories. Thanks to Medicare Part D, they can afford the medicines they need to live healthier, more productive lives.

If the program has helped you, please let us know in the comments section below. We also hope you will stay tuned in the coming weeks for more #MedicareMonday blogs to learn more about how Medicare Part D is helping patients with chronic diseases live longer, healthier lives. Also be sure to follow #MedicareMonday on Twitter for additional details.

Allyson Funk Ally is a former senior director of public affairs at PhRMA focused on advocacy issues for the biopharmaceutical industry. Her expertise includes Medicare, Medicaid, 340B, health reform and more. Prior to PhRMA, her experience included leading health communications for a large membership organization, supporting public affairs clients and working for the governor of Louisiana.